Hymn: Sing a new song to the Most High

[A paraphrase of Psalm 96, to be sung to the tune "Chiquitita" by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus. Written for a clergy Spring School at which the overall theme was "New Words to Old Tunes".] Sing a new song to the Most High,sound your praise in every nation;bless God’s name,tell the story of salvation.Works of …

Hymn for Mothers’ Day: In care and affection

Mothers' Day is celebrated in different ways and on different dates in different parts of the world. In the UK, where I am, it's always on the fourth Sunday of Lent (in 2024 that's 10th March) - and even if in church contexts it's often referred to more formally as Mothering Sunday, having likely originated …

Carol translation: Leise rieselt der Schnee

I encountered this popular German carol quite by chance for the first time today, and found myself wholly charmed by it. Here's a first-pass at a singable English translation. Happy Christmas! Silent skies yield their snow,waters frozen below;trees as if tinselled appear:Joy, for the Christ-child draws near. Warmth now fills every heart:hardship's clamours depart,fading are …

Hymn: We may be wired…

This new hymn was written at the United Reformed Church General Assembly 2023 (where it was sung on the final morning), reflecting upon some of the themes and ideas articulated there. Tune: Londonderry Air (two full verses, followed by second half of verse) We may be wired for eager expectation,alert to every option for the …

Hymn for St George’s Day

In the legends we tell about heroes of old,there are saints who slay dragons, courageous and bold.Some armed to the hilt with a shield and a sword;but the weapon of choice is the truth of God's word. Though dragons and ogres are rare in our land,still the powers of evil remain close at hand.Therefore as …

Carol: Come sing of humble Bethlehem

During Advent this year I've been off-Lectionary, including among other things a whistle-stop tour of the Book of Ruth. But the Christmassy stuff can't be put off forever, so here's a hymn for the occasion. Tune: Forest Green ("O Little Town of Bethlehem"). Come sing of humble Bethlehem  where strangers find their place,  where bitter …

Advent Candles Hymn 2022

It's a couple of years since I've written a hymn to accompany the lighting of candles on the Advent Ring - but here's one for this year. The order of the verses here (and some of their content) reflects an Advent series being followed by the churches where I'll be preaching. There's flexibility to change …

Mary, I’m in awe

When I happened to mention this weekend that I'd been surprised to hear the song "Mary, did you know" (lyrics by Mark Lowry, music by Buddy Greene) as background-music in a fast-food restaurant several weeks ahead of Christmas, it prompted an illuminating conversation. It's a song which draws forth contrasting reactions: whilst some consider it …

Hymn: Let us come before the Lord our God

A hymn particularly for use at an annual Enrolment or Promises service for church-related uniformed youth organisations. Two variants of the second verse are given here - for use with Guides/Brownies/Rainbows (motto: "We discover, we grow") and Boys' Brigade (motto: "Sure and steadfast") respectively. Tune: "Battle Hymn of the Republic". 1.Let us come before the …

Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II: a hymn

We stand to mourn a sovereign, a nation's guide and friend, who through long years of tumult was faithful to the end. We offer our thanksgiving for all that she instilled: her constancy of service, her lifetime's vow fulfilled. Now from our world departed - though never from our hearts - receive her in the peace, Lord, your love alone imparts. And as we mark a …